Oil Change Re-Visited June 08, 2018, 02:07:43 pm First, allow me to mention that I've read a good deal about the frequency of oil change intervals (miles & time) on this Forum and elsewhere. I've noticed (as others have noticed) that as the quality of engine oil has improved, Ford has occasionally changed the recommend frequency of oil changes. However, I haven't found any guidance for the following condition.Recently, I bought Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 at a very good price, which is reported to offer 15,000 miles of protection. ( Mobil 1™ Extended Performance Oil | Mobil™ Motor Oils ) I also used the recommended Mobil 1 oil filter. QUESTION: What would be reasonable mileage between oil changes with this grade of Mobil 1 oil while towing? Footnote: Ford recommends every 5,000 miles when towing for our 2009 E450 which is probably not based on Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 oil. Hence the question. 1 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #1 – June 08, 2018, 02:33:06 pm I wouldn't change the oil change procedure from whatever is recommended by Ford. If the oil is in better shape at the interval recommended, be glad you experienced less wear-and-tear than with inferior oil. For those years which give you a percentage of remaining oil life indication, they may have a sensor that measures oil contamination, and it may extend your interval beyond what it was previously.Steve 1 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #2 – June 08, 2018, 04:45:00 pm Quote from: Steve - June 08, 2018, 02:33:06 pmFor those years which give you a percentage of remaining oil life indication, they may have a sensor that measures oil contamination, and it may extend your interval beyond what it was previously.From Ford ...Beginning with the 2011 model year, most Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ (IOLM) that determines when the engine oil should be changed based on vehicle operation. How the IOLM works The IOLM does not use oil quality sensors – it is entirely software-based and uses actual engine operating conditions to calculate the oil change interval by using an algorithm. This algorithm takes into account the following factors by analyzing various engine sensor inputs.• Driving Habits • Idle time • TemperatureThe IOLM adjusts the oil change interval according to how the customer operates their vehicle. It uses the engine operating conditions to precisely calculate service intervals. The customer’s actual engine oil change interval will depend on the following operating conditions:• Normal commuting with highway driving – up to 10,000 miles• Trailer tow/high load driving – 5,000 to 7,500 miles• Short trip usage, extreme temperatures – 3,000 to 5,000 milesSource: https://www.lombardfordwarrantys.com/resources/pdf/Intelligent-Oil-Life-Reference-Guide.pdf
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #3 – June 08, 2018, 08:12:33 pm I have a 2003; it's not very intelligent, so I have to do the thinking for it! I probably don't have to change the oil and filter as often as I have done/do, but I use the manual-recommended Motorcraft 5W-20 dino/synthetic blend and an old-school 3000-mile interval. At the next change, I will capture a bit of the "flow" and send the sample off to Blackstone for analysis; what the result shows may suggest a change in my long-time regimen. However, I believe that oil and filters are cheap insurance toward engine longevity, so, unless the analysis suggests a protocol change in oil management, I'll probably stick with thinking for my dumb old engine! 3 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #4 – June 08, 2018, 08:39:29 pm Quote from: JCT - June 08, 2018, 08:12:33 pmAt the next change, I will capture a bit of the "flow" and send the sample off to Blackstone for analysis ...I hope you post the results as this seems like a very good idea. I'd certainly like to give this a try too.
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #5 – June 08, 2018, 08:42:56 pm It still has about 1000 miles before the next change (and the turn-around time from Blackstone is unknown), but I will post the results. 1 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #6 – June 09, 2018, 10:24:24 am Quote from: JCT - June 08, 2018, 08:42:56 pmIt still has about 1000 miles before the next change (and the turn-around time from Blackstone is unknown), but I will post the results. Probably overthinking this before the am caffeine kicks in, but from where do you take the sample? If the oil has time to settle before the change, taking the last drips might catch more than the average amount of contaminants. Taking from the drip pan would get a sample for breakdown analysis with marginally fewer settled contaminants.
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #7 – June 09, 2018, 10:38:07 am Joel, these are Blackstone's oil sampling instructions; remarkably similar to the procedure for taking a sample for a different "flow analysis"! Gas Sampling 3 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #8 – June 21, 2018, 10:41:30 am Ran across this article that you might find interesting.Synthetic Oil and Oil Viscosity | Coach-NetJim 4 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #9 – June 22, 2018, 10:10:00 am Quote from: Jim & Gayle - June 21, 2018, 10:41:30 amRan across this article that you might find interesting.Synthetic Oil and Oil Viscosity | Coach-NetJimRead the article. I have one small problem with the sales demo - a Styrofoam cup is a different material then a gas/diesel engine. IMHO this was a pure sales tick having nothing to do with a fact based scientific demo of the different type of oils.
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #10 – June 26, 2018, 07:00:43 am I have driven a lot of miles in my work trucks and have always changed the oil every 3000 to 5000 hiway miles. One pickup had 300,000 miles and it's replacement now has 500,000 miles. In my book, oil is cheep to achieve longevity.
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #11 – June 26, 2018, 12:38:26 pm Quote from: Ed & Margee - June 08, 2018, 02:07:43 pmRecently, I bought Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 at a very good price, which is reported to offer 15,000 miles of protection. ( Mobil 1™ Extended Performance Oil | Mobil™ Motor Oils ) I also used the recommended Mobil 1 oil filter. QUESTION: What would be reasonable mileage between oil changes with this grade of Mobil 1 oil while towing? Footnote: Ford recommends every 5,000 miles when towing for our 2009 E450 which is probably not based on Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 oil. Hence the question.I have reported this before.About 15 years ago, at LAX, we tested regular dyno oil vs. synthetics (Mobil 1).We used a cross section from our fleet of several hundred cars and trucks.The conclusion was normal, dyno oil is good for 7500 miles, under the operating conditions we have at LAX.My work Ford Ranger was in the test and it suffered from hours of idling, while working out on the runways where we never turned the engines off, in case a rapid departure was require (a plane entering a closed section). Even in this poor operating environment, the oil was still good at 7500 miles.Synthetics were found to be fine for 12,000 miles intervals.It was decide that 7500 miles was the maximum time to keep vehicles in the field without a full inspection, allowing the use of the cheaper dyno oil, except in vehicles that were specified to run synthetics by the manufacturer.At the time, I drove a Dodge Dakota 80 miles a day to work and used the 12,000 mile change interval, along with Mobil 1.I sold it at 120,000 miles to my brother who continued the same interval. It now has over 250,000 miles without any engine work other than normal maintenance .Most likely, it would have lasted just as long using dyno oil and a shorter change interval. Modern refined oils are very superior to the oils we used 30 years ago.Larry 4 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #12 – June 26, 2018, 02:10:01 pm For what's it worth on this somewhat controversial topic, I wrote to Mobil 1 Customer Service and asked the question at the top of this post. On June 11, 2018, I received a reply and in essence Mobil 1 agrees with the above post from Larry Wade. In addition, Mobil 1 offered the following guidance."The Mobil 1 Extended Performance limited warranty is valid for 15,000 miles or your vehicle’s OEM recommended oil change interval, whichever is longer. Additional requirements for all Mobil 1 Extended Performance products include: (1) Oils must be put in service not later than five (5) years from the date of purchase; and (2) an oil change must be completed every twelve (12) months."At any rate, I've obtained an answer to my original question which gives me some comfort as we go forward.
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #13 – June 26, 2018, 02:47:27 pm All this is well and good for vehicles out of warranty, however, one might wonder what Ford or other manufactures would say if you don’t have documented proof that oil changes were completed according to their 5,000 mile maintenance schedule.I use full synthetic oil in my rig and was annoyed by the on board computers constant reminders to service my oil. So dispite knowing that full synthetic can “go the distance” I headed to my local Ford Service Center and coughed up the $100+ to get some peace of mind and that piece of paper. Hey, I’m ok with that. 😖 Kent 1 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #14 – June 26, 2018, 03:36:07 pm Fluid change frequency is hotly debated on every RV and automobile forum I've ever visited. Go with whatever schedule YOU feel comfortable with. Just don't violate any warranty terms and you'll be fine.Move along, there's nothing to see here . . .
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #15 – June 27, 2018, 09:42:10 am Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - June 26, 2018, 02:47:27 pmI use full synthetic oil in my rig and was annoyed by the on board computers constant reminders to service my oil. So dispite knowing that full synthetic can “go the distance” I headed to my local Ford Service Center and coughed up the $100+ to get some peace of mind and that piece of paper. Hey, I’m ok with that. 😖 Kent/sarcasm mode on$100 ........ Got to love Ford Service Center -- Did they include a kiss good bye also. /sarcasm mode offI also check the Ford Truck web page to get this coupon Ford Truck "The Works" costs around $50 or so here in Portland 1 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #16 – June 27, 2018, 10:12:30 am About 18 months ago, someone on the Forum mentioned that access to the E450 oil filter and drain plug is among the easiest to reach. For whatever aging reason, I hadn't considered doing it myself although years ago I changed the oil in all my vehicles. So our oil change costs us the price of the oil and oil filter. And I have more confidence that the oil filter is properly tightened and drain plug is properly torqued. In addition, I save a bunch of time doing it myself rather than driving and waiting at a service center. We recycle the oil at a local auto parts store. (I also clean or replace the air filter, grease the front steering assembly, check/clean the battery terminals, and so forth).I can't sing, I can't dance, I'm colored blind, and I have 10 thumbs, but I can change the oil. And that is easier than mowing my yard. 6 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #17 – June 27, 2018, 11:36:32 am Cold dog said, “I also check the Ford Truck web page to get this coupon Ford Truck "The Works" costs around $50 or so here in Portland”Well how bout that...who knew? I just checked on line and located Fords coupon page and found my local Ford Center that I use. The coupon says “up to 5 quarts of synthetic plus filter” but doesn’t mention the discount value. Hey it’s a start.Thanks Kent 3 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #18 – June 27, 2018, 11:53:41 am The shop labor rate at a local Ford truck center is $200 per hour; 6 quarts of Motorcraft 5W20 and an FL820S Motorcraft filter at Walmart is less than $40. As long as I can still wiggle under the rig, I will do the oil and filter change, and whatever else I can manage without lashing something up. YMMV, of course. 3 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #19 – June 27, 2018, 12:26:57 pm Kent, I need some oil change coupons!
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #20 – June 27, 2018, 12:36:35 pm Six quarts of Mobil 1, and a matching Mobil 1 filter, cost $38 when bought at Walmart, the best price found locally .Mobil 1 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 qt. - Walmart.comMobil 1 M1-210A Extended Performance Oil Filter - Walmart.comFor a little more, you can have the extended mileage formula.Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil, 5 qts...For the best value, buy only the 5-qt containers, with cost coming to $4.60 a quart. It's more expensive in the 1-qt containers.With synthetic oil this cheap, there is no good reason not to use it plus it is good for more miles between changes, if that is what you want or need to do. I don't worry about adding an extra thousand miles, if on vacation where changing would be a hassle. Do buy a oil filter wrench, sized to fit the filter you use. Filters are only installed hand tight but, after a couple thousand miles, can be very tough to loosen.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #21 – June 27, 2018, 03:56:58 pm Ed said, "I can't sing, I can't dance, I'm colored blind, and I have 10 thumbs, but I can change the oil. And that is easier than mowing my yard."...and I was so excited to learn about/change the in-line fuel filter on my Baby Deere X324 last Sunday. Y'all make this sound so easy, & it really was simple when my neighbor led me through the process on the Ford 4000 SU. I've got my dad's creeper in the garage & I've gone sliding under the beast after the lesson at Ladeze to tighten bolts...hmmmm...gonna have to think on this one.Lynne
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #22 – June 27, 2018, 05:12:38 pm "Y'all make this sound so easy, & it really was simple when my neighbor led me through the process on the Ford 4000 SU. I've got my dad's creeper in the garage & I've gone sliding under the beast after the lesson at Ladeze to tighten bolts...hmmmm...gonna have to think on this one."With 40+ years of RV'ing under our belts, we've decided, particularly at our age, that the most cost effective method FOR US is to take our vehicles to a trusted mechanic for routine maintenance. Not being schooled in the in's and out's of all things "motor", we trust our mechanic to look at everything when he overcharges us for changing the oil, and let us know if there is anything amiss. Actually, I don't think there is any overcharging at all. The prices paid (at least here in Tiny Town) are quite reasonable. I just checked our last bill where we had the maintenance service on our Sportsmobile, and the labor charge for changing the oil and the check up was $25.00. The check up was actually useful in that they told us what would need attention within the next year. Nothing was marked as "Urgent". There was no "upselling" of services.That said . . . $200. an hour??? GASP! It's hard to remember our days in The Bay Area twenty years ago, but Joan's post was certainly a shocker!!!Virtual hugs,Judie <-- Sierra Vista, ArizonaAdventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the WestToday: Wall Art at Tucson Cancer Clinic*****************************************
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #23 – June 27, 2018, 05:25:58 pm Y'all make this sound so easy.....I've got my dad's creeper in the garage & I've gone sliding under the beast after the lesson at Ladeze to tighten bolts.----Lynne, I don't use a creeper because the front end of my LD is not up on ramps for an oil change. I just lay down a mat and squirm under the rig. I use this mat, but a piece of heavy cardboard, preferably one that can be stored in a compartment or under a couch cushion (if the cardboard is grubby, a layer of newspapers top and bottom) works well.(Amazon.com: Bedrug TW2X4MAT TrailerWare Charcoal Grey 2' x 4' Folding Track...It's a little tight doing the oil change without ramping up the front, but certainly doable. Just be sure to take everything needed to do the job when you scoot under the rig; multiple under and back out "scoots and wiggles" can be a bit hard on old bones! (You probably can figure out why I mention this. ) 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Oil Change Re-Visited Reply #24 – October 14, 2018, 07:22:32 pm I have had the oil changes for my minivan done by Walmart since many years and I was always very satisfied with it. The people who work in the Lube & Tire department know in my opinion very well what they are doing, have given me more than once good advice and never tried to upsell. I also like that I get a bill there that tells me whether they found something to be wrong and how my tire pressure is doing. All that is stored in their system so that every Walmart in the country knows about some of the history of my car.When I had my last oil change I asked them whether they would do that also for my RV and they said yes. Are there any reasons not to do it with Walmart? In general, what is the cost for an oil change for a Lazy Daze?
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